Lubrizol TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
The Lubrizol Corporation, formerly known as BF Goodrich, began developing synthetic rubber compounding technologies as early as the 1950s and was one of the world’s earliest pioneers in the research, development, and commercialization of TPU materials. In 2008, Lubrizol further strengthened its global leadership by acquiring the TPU businesses of Dow Chemical and SK Chemicals, making it one of the largest TPU manufacturers worldwide today. Lubrizol is also the only global TPU producer offering UL-certified flame-retardant TPU grades, demonstrating its strong capabilities in material safety, stability, and quality control. As a result, Lubrizol TPU materials are widely trusted and adopted across industries such as automotive, electronics, medical, and textiles.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is an engineering-grade elastomer that combines high tensile strength with excellent flexibility. It offers outstanding water resistance and breathability, strong adhesion without delamination, and certain polyester- and polyether-based grades provide environmental benefits through gradual biodegradation when buried in soil. TPU has been widely adopted in Europe and the United States as an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC, particularly in textile lamination and garment processing applications.
Lubrizol TPU features excellent abrasion resistance, high toughness and strength, superior fatigue resistance, good oil resistance, stable elasticity, and does not require plasticizers, making it safer and more environmentally friendly. It maintains flexibility even at low temperatures, is non-toxic and compliant with international standards, and allows a wide hardness range, with low-hardness grades offering tensile strength comparable to vulcanized rubber. TPU can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and calendering, exhibits good surface adhesion, and provides both waterproof and breathable performance.
Typical applications include textile lamination for functional fabrics, rainwear, and sports apparel; footwear components such as midsoles and support structures; biodegradable packaging films; electronic accessories such as phone cases and cable jackets; medical products including tubing and elastic bandages; automotive parts such as seals, hoses, and interior components; children’s products; and various industrial components.
The Estane® S300 series is a transparent-grade TPU designed for applications such as transparent films, food packaging films, and flexible transparent components.